The tumescent liposuction technique is used to minimize bruising

Liposuction is generally performed as an outpatient surgery under a general anesthetic although small areas may be suctioned under a local anesthetic with accompanying intravenous sedation. Small incisions are made in cosmetically convenient skin folds wherever available.

The tumescent liposuction technique is used to minimize bruising, swelling, and post-operative pain. The tumescent technique utilizes large volumes of saline (physiologic salt solution) that contains dilute lidocaine (local anesthetic or "numbing" agent) in combination with epinephrine (adrenaline). Adrenaline temporarily constricts (closes) the small blood vessels in the fat in order to prevent bleeding. This also helps prevent post-operative bruising. In addition, dilute sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in the solution helps to minimize further the unpleasant stinging otherwise associated with the lidocaine and epinephrine.

After the tumescent is injected into the designated area, a narrow metal tube that is connected to a plastic hose and then to an aspirator machine, called a cannula, is passed back and forth through the area of excess fat. When liposuction is performed, the cannula is passed through the fat and assists in breaking it down. The fat cells are then gradually removed from the body. In addition, the motion of the cannula damages the remaining fat and other fibrous cells. These remaining damaged cells may take weeks to be absorbed or repaired by the body, which is important to consider due to risks of removing too much fat or tissue. If too much fat is removed, large dents or scarred-down portions in the skin can result. Only the layer of fat between the skin and the underlying muscle (the amount you can pinch before surgery) should be suctioned.

The tunnels which are created throughout the area of previous fatty excess fill with blood and bodily fluids thus creating the bruising and swelling which are seen after the operation. Bruising usually subsides within one to two weeks. However, the swelling dissipates anywhere from two weeks to three months depending on the patient and the area treated.
Depending upon the amount of fat removed and the location of the surgery (doctor's office, surgical center, hospital), you may leave soon after the surgery or you may spend the night. Discussing the healing process and recovery time with the cosmetic surgeon is very important to gain a better idea of how long it will be before a normal level of activity should resume.
Incisions which were made for the insertion of the cannula may drain fluids for several days and a drainage tube to help remove fluid may be used.
Tight garments to keep the skin compressed after the procedure should be worn for several weeks to promote healing. Some surgeons will provide these garments but others will tell you where to purchase them before your surgery.

When the anesthesia wears off pain may occur and if the pain is extreme, the surgeon should be contacted. Pain medication can be prescribed for discomfort as necessary.

It is always best to keep in touch with your doctor in case anything happen after the procedure. Liposuction in Singapore and any part of the world apply the same knowledge base.